Gezicht op gebouwen c. 1828 - 1897

Adrianus Eversen sketched this “View of Buildings” in the 19th century. Although a simple drawing, it echoes an age-old architectural motif: the facade. Since antiquity, the facade has been more than just a building's face; it's a symbolic mask, a statement of power, wealth, or cultural identity. Think of the Egyptian pyramids or Greek temples, their imposing facades designed to inspire awe and reverence. The facade represents a controlled presentation of the self, projecting an image of stability and permanence. Interestingly, the term 'facade' has also found its way into our psychological lexicon, describing a deceptive outward appearance. In Eversen's sketch, the facade invites us to ponder the complex relationship between external appearance and internal reality, a theme as relevant today as it was centuries ago. It’s a reminder that what we see is not always what is.